Oakland Public Library - childrenhttp://oaklandlibrary.org/taxonomy/term/224/0
enQ&A: Patrons Ask; Librarians Answer: My pre-teen wants to visit the library this summer with her friends. Without me! Is it okay? Is it safe?http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-my-pre-teen-wants-visit-library-summer-her
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-body">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<h3><span><img width="180" height="180" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/large_students%20studying%20perfect%20size.jpg" />Q: My pre-teen wants to visit the library this summer with her friends. Without me!&nbsp; Is it okay? Is it safe?&nbsp; --- Nervous Parent</span></h3>
<p>A: Hi Nervous Parent. Kids are some of our best customers! Whether they come with parents (or responsible caregivers) or venture into the library alone, they embrace the library as a place of fun and exploration.</p>
<p>According to the our&nbsp;<a title="Guidelines For Behavior" href="http://oaklandlibrary.org/about/policies/guidelines-behavior" rel="nofollow">Guidelines for Behavior</a> it is acceptable for minors who are at least 8 years old to visit the library without adult supervision. But please keep in mind that we are not <em>In Loco Parentis</em>: a legal-Latin-term that means “in place of the parent.” In layman’s terms: Unlike school or a community center that takes responsibility for children in place of the parent, the public library is not responsible for your kid, and we don't directly supervise them. So, a preteen who is asking to come to the library with her friends is asking permission to take an unsupervised outing. That baby girl of yours is growing up and ready to spread her wings. Congratulations.</p>
<p>I am not saying anything calming to your nerves, huh? It’s okay, relax Nervous Parent. The library is generally a fun place for your child to have an unsupervised outing provided they are prepared, and you both understand that is a public space, where all are welcome. Here are some tips to consider in preparation for your child’s solo visit to the library. You can revisit them at any time at&nbsp;<a href="http://oaklandlibrary.org/kids/welcome-parents" rel="nofollow">http://oaklandlibrary.org/kids/welcome-parents</a>.</p>
<h4><span>&nbsp;</span></h4>
<h4><span>1. </span><strong>Explain to your child you expect them to behave, and remind them how to be safe.</strong><span> </span></h4>
<p><span>The library promotes a safe environment for everyone. Now we cannot promise your child's safety; but following our behavior guidelines&nbsp;greatly reduces the opportunity for unsafe experiences. Review the </span><a title="Guidelines For Behavior" href="http://oaklandlibrary.org/about/policies/guidelines-behavior" rel="nofollow">Guidelines for Behavior</a><span>&nbsp;with your child before visiting the library. Make it clear to your offspring that if they do not behave in the library, they </span><strong>will be asked to leave</strong><span>. Everyone, (not just children) appreciates defined boundaries and a clear understanding of guidelines. Following them promotes a safe environment for everyone. &nbsp;Make sure, too, you discuss basic street safety with your child, and remember that anyone may enter the library. &nbsp; We don't supervise, but we are your child's go-to person </span><em>whenever</em><span> they feel that something is not right.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<h4><span>2. <strong>I</strong></span><strong>n the event of an emergency or unexpected event</strong><span> (earthquake, power outage, gas leak, fire drill, alien envasion, Zombie Apocalypse, etc.), <strong>or in the event your child is asked to leave the library,&nbsp;</strong></span><strong>prepare your child</strong><span> with:</span><span>&nbsp;</span></h4>
<ol>
<li><span>i. a way to contact you. Our phones are available for emergencies only, and in a real emergency might be tied up.&nbsp;</span></li>
<li><span>ii. an alternate place to go if they cannot go home right away.</span></li>
</ol>
<p>I do not want to make you more nervous, Nervous Parent. However, a bit of emergency preparation on your part will result in you being much calmer when thinking about your child in the library (or any place else) without you. Additionally, this preparation will be beneficial as your child grows older giving them the confidence to navigate the world independently. Be sure to sign-up for Zombie Apocalyse Preparedness Training when it is offered in the fall for specialized training on managing a world with the undead.</p>
<p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<h4><span>3. </span><strong>Explain to your children they have the right to be respected.</strong></h4>
<p>Everyone is welcome in the library: all races, languages, religions, sexual orientation, gender identity, income level, housing situation, etc. Because we are for everyone, we strive to have a community space free of prejudice and bullying. If there is ever a time your child feels bullied, uncomfortable, or unsafe in the library, encourage them to talk to us. If s/he does not feel comfortable talking to us, encourage them to talk to you, and then <strong><span style="text-decoration:underline">you contact us</span></strong>. Either way, we want to know about it so we can help rectify the situation. The library is a supportive environment and we promote anti-bullying.</p>
<p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<h4><span>4</span><span>. </span><strong>Please sign your child up for a <a title="library card" href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/using-library/library-cards">library card</a>.</strong></h4>
<p><span> Visiting the library without a </span>library card<span>&nbsp;is like visiting the airport without a ticket in hopes of going somewhere. We all know that the </span>library card<span>&nbsp;allows children to use the public access computers and check out books. But did you know it also provides access to our vast collection of online databases like </span><a title="Tumblebooks" href="http://www.tumblebooklibrary.com/home.aspx" rel="nofollow">Tumblebooks</a><span>, which will read stories to your children via their personal tablets and smartphones? With a&nbsp;</span>library card<span> you can use</span><a title="Overdrive" href="http://oakland.lib.overdrive.com/801EF45E-531D-4A9F-B54D-964B39FD9219/10/50/en/SearchResults.htm?SearchID=23493887s" rel="nofollow"> Overdrive</a><span>, a database with access to movies you can download and watch for</span><strong> free.</strong><span>&nbsp;For your music lovers </span><a title="Freegal" href="http://oaklandlibrary.freegalmusic.com/homes/index" rel="nofollow">Freegal</a><span> allows </span><strong>free</strong><span> music streaming and</span><strong> free</strong><span> music downloads. Did you know that some branches require a </span>library card&nbsp;t<span>o borrow board games for playing in the library? If you want your child to have the best experience possible in the library, and&nbsp;enjoy all of this fabulous</span><strong> free</strong><span> stuff, having a&nbsp;</span><a title="library card" href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/using-library/library-cards"><strong>library card</strong></a><span> is essential.</span></p>
<p><span>&nbsp;</span></p>
<h4>5. <strong>Keep the visit short.</strong></h4>
<p>The longer a child is in the library unattended the more likely it is they will become<strong>…. BORED!</strong> That’s right<span style="text-decoration:underline"><em><strong> bored</strong></em></span>. And parents, boredom is the #1 reason children misbehave in the library, resulting in a negative experience. Why? Because bored children find “something” to do and that “something” can be disruptive.&nbsp;How long can a child stay in the library before becoming bored? Well that really depends on your child’s temperament, and if they have a&nbsp;<a title="library card" href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/using-library/library-cards"><strong>library card</strong></a> to enjoy some of the FREE activities we provide (see #3.)</p>
<h4><span>&nbsp;</span></h4>
<h4><span>6.</span><strong> Pick your child up before the library closes!</strong><span> </span></h4>
<p><span>Our libraries have a variety of </span><a title="open hours" href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/using-library/locations-hours">open hours </a><span>to accommodate almost any schedule. So make sure you know your&nbsp;location's hours of operation. If you cannot pick them up yourself, please make sure your child has a safe way to get to his/her's next destination when the library closes. It makes us nervous when we close the library for the evening and minors are waiting outside. We are not obligated to wait with minors for someone to pick them up. Although librarians are not<em> in loco parentis</em>, we are human. We care about your children too and want them to be safe and happy lifelong learners.</span></p>
<h4></h4>
<h4>So remember:
<p>1. Explain behavior guidelines and safety<br />2. Make an emergency plan<br />3. Embrace a culture of respect<br />4. Get a library card<br />5. Keep the visit short<br />6. Leave by closing time</p></h4>
<p>Following these tips will result in a fun, safe, and potentially educational event for your unsupervised preteen. We look forward to seeing your family in the library soon.</p>
<p><strong><strong>&nbsp;</strong></strong></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">If you have any more questions hit us up here&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lMKd3X4Aidj3wzhxZABKK9yQ80jwwh-P_Va4tV3R-OA/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" rel="nofollow"><img width="213" height="135" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/ask%20us%20button.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1lMKd3X4Aidj3wzhxZABKK9yQ80jwwh-P_Va4tV3R-OA/viewform?c=0&amp;w=1" rel="nofollow"><span style="text-decoration:none"></span></a>&nbsp; </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Now don’t ask personal questions about your library account.&nbsp;We post &nbsp;questions and answers on the blog twice a month. For more personal service you can visit me at <a href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/locations/eastmont-branch">Eastmont</a>, or any of my colleagues at <a href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/using-library/locations-hours">your local library</a>. &nbsp;And yes, we value your privacy.</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">&nbsp;</span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-summary">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Your children are welcome here. REALLY! But before they come, here are some tips to consider when preparing for a successful library visit. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-post-image">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="240" height="161" alt="Group of Children in the library" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/blogs/images/childrens-services/pic of the kids.jpg?1424891344" /> </div>
</div>
</div>
http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-my-pre-teen-wants-visit-library-summer-her#commentsaliensbehavior policychildrenLibrary PeoplesummerzombiesThu, 07 May 2015 17:00:00 +0000Nichole Brown5847 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A: Patrons ask; librarians answer: Do you have books that explain about the birds & the bees? http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-books-explain-about-birds-bees
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-body">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<p><strong><span><img style="float:left" width="150" height="100" alt="Shocked dad" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/shocked%20dad-150x100.jpg" />Q: My eight-year-old son is asking me about how babies are made. </span></strong>I gave him a short-version answer, and now he has a lot more questions. I'm realizing that my older daughter (now 12) probably had a lot of questions she didn't ask out loud when I gave her the simple answers a few years ago. What books do you have for both of them?</p>
<p><img style="float:right" width="100" height="120" alt="It&#039;s Perfectly Normal - a book cover." src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780763644833&amp;erroroverride=1" /></p>
<p><strong>A: We have plenty of books on this topic for different ages.</strong> You will find it much easier to answer your children's questions with the help of some well-chosen books! Whether you read a book aloud to a younger child, give one to an older child to read herself, or simply read one yourself to get ideas of the best ways to respond to their questions, having some published information will help you teach your children about human development and reproduction.</p>
<p><a title="This links to a picture book for children about saying NO to inappropriate propositions. Obviously not an adult fiction book that everyone is talking about this week. " href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1307682__S%28inappropriate%29%20f%3Aa%20c%3A22__P0%2C7__Orightresult__U__X3?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:left" width="75" height="100" alt="Cover of a COMPLETELY inappropriate book for this blog post." src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780345803481&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>You may not agree with every statement in all of these books – each family has their own set of values and perspectives. However, these books represent ideas that exist in the world, so responding to them either with agreement or disagreement will clarify for your children what you believe and what your expectations are for them, while at the same time sharing essential information they need to know.</p>
<p><a title="Link to a list of books for Kids ages 7 to 12, in WorldCat, about Human Reproduction &amp; Sexuality." href="https://www.worldcat.org/profiles/esiskind/lists/3528439" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Here are some books for kids to read on their own, or for you to read aloud to them:</a></p>
<p><a title="Link to It&#039;s So Amazing in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1013045__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="90" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0763600512&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to What&#039;s The Big Secret in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1506048__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="78" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0316109150&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to It&#039;s Perfectly Normal in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1693995__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="88" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780763644833&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Changing You in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1607989__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="70" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780525478171&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for &quot;Asking about sex...&quot; - NOTE; replacement copies on order as of 2/27/2015. " href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1747426__Sasking%20about%20sex%20and%20growing%20up__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="65" height="100" alt="Sorry, this book (Asking about sex &amp; growing up) is no longer available at the Oakland Library." src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780061429866&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Ready, Set, Grow! in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1290537__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=1557045879&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to On Your Mark, Get Set, Grow! in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1645150__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781557047816&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Link to My Body, My Self For Girls in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1605730__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="80" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781557047663&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to My Body, My Self For Boys in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1745741__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="80" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781557047670&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to The Period Book in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1598324__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0802780725&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to What&#039;s Going On Down There? in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1511664__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="85" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0802786715&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Link to The Care &amp; Keeping of You 1 in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1963725__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="75" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781609580834&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to The Care &amp; Keeping of You 2 in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1877692__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="75" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781609580421&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Girl In The Know in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1731400__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="85" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781554533039&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Link to Growing Up Inside &amp; Out in the Oakland Library online catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1935336__SGrowing%20up%2C%20inside%20and%20out__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="92" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781771470049&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>As you can see, they&nbsp;range from those books that simply explain how babies are made to those that explain what changes a body goes through that enable people to have babies!&nbsp;Those questions come up more as a child grows.</p>
<p><a title="Link to a list of books for Parents, in WorldCat, on the topic of reproduction &amp; sexuality." href="https://www.worldcat.org/profiles/esiskind/lists/3528011?view=&amp;count=50" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Here are some books written for adults that give tips for talking about reproduction and sexuality, and about setting boundaries as they grow up: </a></p>
<p><a title="Link to &quot;Talk To Me First&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1844541__STalk%20to%20me%20first%20%3A%20everything%20you%20need%20to%20know%20to%20become%20your%20kids%27%20go-to%20person%20about%20sex__Orightresult__X4;jsessionid=0CED3BC6AFDA9B57958E42B332CE6BC4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780738215082&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;How To Talk With Your Kids About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1868710__SHow%20to%20talk%20with%20your%20kids%20about%20sex__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780849964459&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;What Your Child Needs To Know About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1811520__SWhat%20your%20child%20needs%20to%20know%20about%20sex%20%28and%20when%29%20%3A%20a%20straight-talking%20guide%20for%20parents__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781587612503&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;Great Answers to Difficult Questions About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1727169__SGreat%20Answers%20to%20Difficult%20Questions%20about%20Sex%20%3A%20What%20Children%20Need%20to%20Know.__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781849058049&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title=" What Your Kids Need to Hear From You About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1616890__SThe%20talk%20%3A%20what%20your%20kids%20need%20to%20hear%20from%20you%20about%20sex__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781583333105&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title=" A Parent&#039;s Guide to Raising Sexually Healthy Children&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1761043__SFrom%20diapers%20to%20dating%20%3A%20a%20parent%27s%20guide%20to%20raising%20sexually%20healthy%20children__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781557048103&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;Talking To Your Kids About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1200981__STalking%20to%20your%20kids%20about%20sex%20%3A%20from%20toddlers%20to%20preteens__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="69" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0965925838&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;Sex &amp; Sensibility ; A Parent&#039;s Guide To Talking Sense About Sex&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1079196__SSex%20and%20sensibility__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0738202932&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Link to &quot;The Available Parent&quot; in the Oakland Library catalog." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1959357__SThe%20available%20parent%20%3A%20expert%20advice%20for%20raising%20successful%20and%20resilient%20teens%20and%20tweens__Orightresult__U__X4?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="66" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781936740826&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p>Children of every age have questions, and it's never to early to present an age-appropriate answer to any question they have. <a title="Erica&#039;s blog post last month about New Siblings, with some books for preschoolers about how babies are made." href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-some-books-prepare-our-child-n" target="_blank">(See the blog post from last month for books about how babies are made that are best for preschool-age kids.)</a> If your kids see you as a neutral and reliable source of information, you will have the basis for continuing communication as they become teenagers.</p>
<p><strong>We'd love to&nbsp;answer your question next!&nbsp;</strong>We assure confidentiality. <span><span><span>Oakland Public Library Children's Librarians answer your questions on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></span></p>
<p><a title="Link to form to submit a question for the librarians." href="http://goo.gl/forms/3TqKCIm2KD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="213" height="135" alt="Button to push to submit a question!" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/Ask%20Your%20Question%20Button_0.jpg" /></a></p>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-summary">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Children&#039;s Librarians talk with parents, caregivers, and children all day, every day. This week: Human reproduction! If your post-Valentines conversation with your tweens &amp; pre-teens went from lovey-dovey to the birds-&amp;-bees, you might appreciate some literary support. This is a frequently-asked-question... </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-post-image">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="512" height="384" alt="Photo of peach-faced lovebirds kissing. " src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/lovebirds photo peach faced.JPG?1424232854" /> </div>
</div>
</div>
http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-books-explain-about-birds-bees#commentschildrenGreat Books and moreRead-aloudreadingscienceThu, 19 Feb 2015 18:00:00 +0000Erica Siskind5822 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A: Patrons ask; librarians answer: Do you have some books to prepare our child for the new baby we’re expecting?http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-some-books-prepare-our-child-n
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-body">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<p><strong><span><img style="float:left" width="119" height="115" alt="Erica&amp;#039;s daughters - age 3 and newborn!" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/iz-holding-cleo-all-119x115.jpg" /></span></strong></p>
<p><strong>Q: Do you have some books to prepare my child for the new baby we’re expecting?</strong></p>
<p><strong>A: Yes, we do! </strong>Different issues come up for kids who are about to have a new sibling. I’d like to share books that include some different angles on the question. I think of them in these 5 rough categories:</p>
<p><strong>Books that simply explain what welcoming a new baby might include. </strong>If you don’t know yet what your child is thinking or feeling about the whole thing, simple books without drama may be a good starting place.</p>
<p><a title="Link to Oakland Library Catalog for New Baby at Your House" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1497516__Snow%20we%20have%20a%20baby__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="110" alt="New Baby at Your House by Cole" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0688138977&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><span>&nbsp;</span><a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for A Baby for Max" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1115213__Snow%20we%20have%20a%20baby__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="78" height="103" alt="Baby for Max cover illustration" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Baby%20for%20Max-78x103.jpg" /></a><span>&nbsp;</span><a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for A Baby&#039;s Coming to Your House" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1161373__Snow%20we%20have%20a%20baby__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="87" height="105" alt="Cover image of A Baby&#039;s Coming to Your HOuse" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0807505021&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><span>&nbsp;</span><a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for Babies Don&#039;t Eat Pizza" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1676292__Snow%20we%20have%20a%20baby__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="116" alt="cover image of Babies Don&#039;t Eat Pizza" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780525474418&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><span>&nbsp;</span><a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for How Does Baby Feel?" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1877629__Snow%20we%20have%20a%20baby__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="111" alt="cover image of How Does Baby Feel" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781442452046&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><span>&nbsp;</span><a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for Now We Have a Baby" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1341998__Snow%20we%20have%20a%20baby__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="105" alt="cover image of Now We Have a Baby" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=1561484512&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Books that show and tell how babies are made. </strong><span>If your child has already started asking questions, we have books that provide answers in kid-friendly terms – arranged here from youngest/simplest to oldest/most-detailed. &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span><a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for When You Were Inside Mommy" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1157592__Sit%27s%20so%20amazing%20about%20eggs__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="112" alt="cover image of When You Were Inside Mommy" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0688170439&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for How You Were Born" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1111629__Sit%27s%20so%20amazing%20about%20eggs__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="116" alt="cover image of How you were born" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=1442018364&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for How Babies Are Made" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1112196__Sit%27s%20so%20amazing%20about%20eggs__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" alt="cover image of How Babies Are Made" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/how%20babies%20are%20made-100x100.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for How I was Born" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1270648__Show%20i%20was%20born%20wabbes__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="118" alt="cover image of How I Was Born" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/how%20i%20was%20born-100x118.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog Where do Babies Come From?" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1440363__Sit%27s%20so%20amazing%20about%20eggs__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="105" alt="cover image of Where Do Babies Come From" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0789405792&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Mommy Laid an Egg" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1337813__Sit%27s%20so%20amazing%20about%20eggs__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="117" alt="cover of Mommy Laid an Egg" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0811803503&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for Everybody has a bellybutton" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1476625__Show%20i%20was%20born%20wabbes__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="83" alt="cover image of Everybody has a bellybutton" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=1563970090&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for What Makes a Baby" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1887455__Show%20i%20was%20born%20wabbes__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="99" alt="cover image of What Makes a Baby" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781609804855&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Link to Oakland Library catalog for Where Did I Come From?" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1623899__Show%20i%20was%20born%20wabbes__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="114" alt="cover of Where Did I Come From?" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0818406089&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Amazing You" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1371531__Show%20i%20was%20born%20wabbes__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="80" alt="cover of Amazing You!" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0525473890&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for What&#039;s In There?" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1899948__Sit%27s%20not%20the%20stork%20harris__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="110" alt="cover of What&#039;s In There?" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780763636302&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for It&#039;s Not the Stork" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1489088__Sit%27s%20not%20the%20stork%20harris__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="110" alt="cover image of It&#039;s Not the Stork" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0763600474&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<br /></span></p>
<p><strong>Books that acknowledge the long wait.</strong> For your child, it’s half a lifetime away – from the time your family &amp; friends start talking about the coming baby and the birth-day. These books help put the calendar in perspective.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for There&#039;s Going to be a baby" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1758060__Ssophie%20and%20the%20new%20baby__Orightresult?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="102" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780763649074&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Before You Were Born, Mi Amor" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1676276__Ssophie%20and%20the%20new%20baby__Orightresult?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="110" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780670063017&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Baby on the Way" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1135391__Ssophie%20and%20the%20new%20baby__Orightresult?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="94" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0316787671&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Sophie &amp; the New Baby" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1054889__Ssophie%20and%20the%20new%20baby__Orightresult?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="80" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=080757550X&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Waiting for Baby" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1142425__Ssophie%20and%20the%20new%20baby__Orightresult?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="118" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0805059296&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p><strong>Books that address strong feelings that older siblings might have. </strong>If your child has already expressed negative feelings, there are books that address their fears, with humor, information, or simple acceptance, any of which could be a big relief for you both. Many of these stories start out disastrous, but they turn out fine in the end, of course! &nbsp;</p>
<p><a title="link to Oakland LIbrary catalog for Vera&#039;s Baby Sister" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1360737__SSibling%20rivalry%20picbk__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="125" height="104" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0805071261&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for When the New Baby Comes I&#039;m Moving Out" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1592858__SSibling%20rivalry%20picbk__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781570916786&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland LIbrary catalog for When I Was King" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1656006__SSibling%20rivalry%20picbk__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="95" height="125" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780060290511&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for What the No-Good Baby is Good For" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1377366__SSibling%20rivalry%20picbk__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="90" height="121" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0399238778&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland LIbrary catalog for Nobody Asked Me If I Wanted a Baby" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1591226__SSibling%20rivalry%20picbk__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781570916793&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Monster in the House" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1512057__SSibling%20rivalry%20picbk__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="90" height="116" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0525459731&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for the Lapsnatcher" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1469207__SSibling%20rivalry%20picbk__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="105" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0816742332&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Will There Be A Lap For Me?" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1294941__SSibling%20rivalry%20picbk__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="112" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0807591092&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Peter&#039;s Chair" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1659637__Speters%20chair__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="89" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0670880647&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Pecan Pie Baby" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1756621__Specan%20pie%20baby__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780399239878&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Books that give ideas of how to enjoy a baby. </strong>Whether the baby has arrived yet or not, you can build positive anticipation brainstorming ways your older child can enjoy the baby.<strong>&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><strong><a title="link to OLD EDITION of 101 Things to Do With Baby - Check New Edition coming soon!" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1111734__S101%20things%20to%20do%20baby__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="88" height="119" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/things%20to%20do%20with%20baby-88x119.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland LIbrary catalog for Love That Baby" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1276458__Sbabys%20first%20year__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="103" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=1564026795&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Lola Reads to Leo" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1825337__Sbabys%20first%20year__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="119" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781580894036&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Baby&#039;s First Year" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1785030__Sbabys%20first%20year__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="92" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780399250255&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for What Baby Needs" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1135756__Sbabys%20first%20year__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="94" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0316788287&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for How Do You Make a Baby Smile?" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1589430__Sbabys%20first%20year__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="100" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780060760724&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="link to Oakland Library catalog for Born in the Wild" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1971346__Sbabys%20first%20year__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="100" height="102" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781596439252&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Actually, there are tons more! My hands are all clicked out...this will have to be a starter list!&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you’d like some advice about how best to prepare your child for a new sibling, there are a few websites to get ideas. <a title="link to the Ask Dr Sears website with advice for expectant siblings" href="http://www.askdrsears.com/topics/parenting/discipline-behavior/bothersome-behaviors/sibling-rivalry/new-sibling" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Ask Dr. Sears</strong></a>, <a title="link to Baby Center website with advice for expectant siblings" href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_helping-your-preschooler-adjust-to-a-new-sibling_3636582.bc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>Baby Center</strong></a>, <a title="link to WebMD advice for expectant siblings" href="http://www.webmd.com/baby/guide/prepare-children" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>WebMD</strong></a>, and <a title="link to a 4-part website from What To Expect for expectant siblings" href="http://www.whattoexpect.com/toddler/behavior-and-discipline/new-sibling/breaking-the-news.aspx" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><strong>What To Expect </strong></a>each have their own advice, but most of it is consistent, so reading any one of those will give you some basic suggestions.</p>
<p><img style="float:left" width="166" height="80" alt="watercolor of a baby on a blanket" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/baby%20on%20blanket-166x80.jpg" />Guess what?!?! Now that you’ve reached the end of this blog post, I’d like to invite you and your child to our <strong><a title="More info on New Sibling Workshop in March" href="http://oaklandlibrary.org/events/rockridge-branch/new-sibling-workshop" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">New Sibling Workshop coming up in March, 2015</a>.</strong> We’ll read a few of these books and you’ll make one of your own to help your first child welcome the new baby. Spread the word!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Finally, despite the steady stream of questions coming to us at the Oakland Public Library every day, we’d still be happy to receive your question online! Leave a comment if you like, but if you have a question you’d like to see answered in depth, on this blog on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month, <a href="http://goo.gl/forms/3TqKCIm2KD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">CLICK HERE</a>.&nbsp;</p>
<p><a title="Link to submit a question to the Children&#039;s Services Blog." href="http://goo.gl/forms/3TqKCIm2KD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="213" height="135" alt="Link to submit a question to the Children&amp;#039;s Services Blog" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/Ask%20Your%20Question%20Button_0.jpg" /></a></p>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-summary">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Children’s Librarians talk with parents, caregivers, and children all day, every day. Nearly 5,000 babies are born in Oakland every year! Books can help older siblings cope with the transition from rock-star/minor-deity to has-been. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-post-image">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="960" height="928" alt="Photo of a 3-year-old holding a newborn (Erica&#039;s daughters). " src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/iz-holding-cleo-all.jpg?1421298413" /> </div>
</div>
</div>
http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-some-books-prepare-our-child-n#commentsBabieschildrenEvents & ProgramsGreat Books and moreRead-aloudSiblingsThu, 15 Jan 2015 18:00:00 +0000Erica Siskind5712 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A: Patrons ask; librarians answer: What’s your opinion on this movie? http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-what-s-your-opinion-movie
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-body">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:none">Q: What do you think about this movie for my kids?</span></strong></p>
<p><strong><span style="text-decoration:none">A: Here’s what goes through my mind when I hear this question, which happens a few times a week:</span></strong></p>
<ol>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">I really appreciate your effort to figure out what’s best for your children! &nbsp;</span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><a title="Link to Schoolhouse Rock in Oakland Public Library catalog. This is the image that made Isabel cry." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1303505__Sgrammar%20rock__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Ad%3Ad%3ADVDLw%3D%3DVCD%3A%3A__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="text-decoration:none"><span><img style="float:right" width="160" height="120" alt="Image that made Isabel cry in Schoolhouse Rock." src="/sites/default/files/resize/events/schoolhouse%20rock%20unpack%20adjectives%20small%20and%20tall-160x120." /></span></span></a><span style="text-decoration:none">I need to know a little about your children. I might ask you; </span><span style="text-decoration:none">“How old are your kids?” “What m</span><span style="text-decoration:none">ovies have they enjoyed lately?” “Which of those movies seemed just right to you?”</span><span style="text-decoration:none"> </span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">I need some parameters for what you usually find suitable &amp; appropriate for your child. &nbsp;</span><span style="text-decoration:none">“We prefer realistic movies, not fantasy.” “We’re looking for movies that don’t follow old-fashioned gender roles.” “No violence! We don’t believe in that.” “It’s okay if there’s fighting, but not too much.”</span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">What’s enjoyable and exciting for one child could be disturbing, offensive, or boring for another child – even in the same family. Give me an anecdote. </span><span style="text-decoration:none">“She burst into tears watching </span><span style="text-decoration:underline">Unpack Your Adjectives</span><span style="text-decoration:none"> in the Schoolhouse Rock animation.”</span><a title="Link to The Marzipan Pig in Oakland Public Library - a lovely movie that is NOT for everyone." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1810484__Smarzipan%20pig__P0%2C1__Orightresult__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span style="text-decoration:none"><img style="float:right" width="118" height="216" alt="Marzipan Pig - a movie that is not for everyone, but some people love it!" src="/sites/default/files/events/marzpig.jpg" /></span></a></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">What can I recall from previous conversations with other patrons about this movie? What age were those children? &nbsp;</span><span style="text-decoration:none">“My 4-year-old son &amp; I adored The Marzipan Pig.” “The Ring of Bright Water was such a sweet movie! But we were horrified when the otter died!” &nbsp;</span></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Based on your answers, I’ll give you my feedback on the movies you selected, or suggest a few for you. It’s a fun game for both of us. On the other hand, as Maimonides might say, “Choose a movie for a patron, and she’s entertained for a day; teach her how to choose a movie for herself, and she’s entertained for a lifetime.”</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none"><a title="Link to How To Train Your Dragon (#1) in Oakland Public Library catalog - popular movie with wide age-range appeal." href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1750816__SHow%20to%20train%20your%20dragon__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Ad%3Ad%3ADVDLw%3D%3DVCD%3A%3A__P0%2C8__O-date__U__X0?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:left" width="125" height="184" alt="How To Train Your Dragon - a very popular movie with wide age-range appeal." src="/sites/default/files/resize/events/how-to-train-your-dragon-dvd-cover-47-125x184.jpg" /></a>When it comes to film, parents are motivated to find content that resonates with their values rather than contradicting them. People don’t do this as much with books. It’s as if a</span><span style="text-decoration:none"> book </span><span style="text-decoration:none">is invited into our consciousness as a visitor who we can safely be open to, whereas </span><span style="text-decoration:none">moving-pictures</span><span style="text-decoration:none"> are more like a group of invading guests, who could easily bowl us over, dominate, and take control. &nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Moving visual images seem to bypass our intellectual process to some degree, and connect viscerally to our psyche. Adults know that these responses may stay with us for a lifetime. </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">How can you help your children weather the invading-guest’s philosophies and values, and hold on to their own values and principles? </span></p>
<ul>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Observe your child watching a film, to guide future choices. <a title="Maimonides thinking up good quotes that could be used 800 years later on Hanukkah in an overly long blog. Actually, this is a link to a movie on Jewish Heritage. No, I&#039;m not suggeting anything!" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1630732__S%28jew*%29%20f%3Ad%20c%3A22__P0%2C2__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:right" width="110" height="141" alt="Maimonides thinking up good quotes that could be used 800 years later on Hanukkah in an overly long blog." src="/sites/default/files/resize/events/Maimonides-2-110x141.jpg" /></a></span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Pick appropriate films at each stage of development. See details below. </span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Maintain a dialogue with your child. Routine conversations about mundane films build a habit that you can rely on when something is upsetting. </span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Build their healthy self-esteem. Children with a strong sense of self are not as vulnerable to the manipulations that are often found in media. But that’s a topic for another day!</span></p>
</li>
</ul>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">So the question is; How do we pick appropriate films? </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">I suggest you consider ALL of the following aspects. No single aspect is sufficient: </span></p>
<ol>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Length in minutes. DVDs under 30 minutes are usually intended for under-5-year-olds, and DVDs over 1 ½ hours are usually for over-9-year-olds. If a DVD contains multiple shorts, count only one, but for television episodes, 25 minutes is standard for all ages, so you can’t use length alone to determine intended audience. &nbsp;</span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Visual imagery on the cover. Does it appeal to your child? <a title="Funny Eddie Izzard routine using Lego Star Wars - bad language alert! Do NOT click on this link if your children are looking over your shoulder. " href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sv5iEK-IEzw" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:right" width="101" height="150" alt="The Lego Movie is not something we need to advertise." src="/sites/default/files/resize/events/lego_movie-adventure-101x150.jpg" /></a><br /></span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Synopsis. Look on the box, in the <a title="Link to The Lego Movie in the OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1958670__Sthe%20lego%20movie__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Oakland Public Library catalog for the DVD</a></span><span style="text-decoration:none">, or on a website such as <a title="Link to The Lego Movie on Common Sense Media&#039;s webpage" href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-lego-movie%20" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Common Sense Media</a>, </span><span style="text-decoration:none"></span><span style="text-decoration:none">or <a title="Link to The Lego Movie on IMDb&#039;s website." href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1490017/?ref_=nv_sr_1" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">IMDb</a>. </span><span style="text-decoration:none"><br /></span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Age suggestion from the film-maker. &nbsp;See same sources as the synopsis. </span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Rating. <a title="Common Sense Media&#039;s explanation of their ratings." href="https://www.commonsensemedia.org/about-us/our-mission/about-our-ratings" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">The Common Sense Media ratings of “Off, Pause, &amp; On”</a></span><span style="text-decoration:none"></span><span style="text-decoration:none">&nbsp; are much more useful than the <a title="Motion Picture Association of America&#039;s explanation of its ratings." href="http://www.mpaa.org/film-ratings/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">MPAA ratings</a></span><span style="text-decoration:none"></span><span style="text-decoration:none">, because they relate to developmental benchmarks for each age. &nbsp;</span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Reviews. See databases mentioned above. Common Sense Media gives the perspective of their own reviewers as well as ordinary parents and children. </span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Trailers. Available directly from IMDb or <a title="Link to Trailer for The Lego Movie on YouTube." href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZ_JOBCLF-I" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">YouTube</a>. </span></p>
</li>
<li style="text-decoration:none">
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Friends’ advice. They know you and your child, and you know them, so you can triangulate over time. </span></p>
</li>
</ol>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">It takes time to gather this information. Remember you can place a hold on the DVD at Oakland Public Library – you can place up to 10 holds at a time, you can check out 10 DVDs at a time, you get to keep them for 3 weeks, and you can renew them for another 3 weeks. Free! </span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none"><a title="Link to diioramas in Lego of libraries &amp; bookstores." href="http://bookriot.com/2014/01/04/lego-libraries-and-bookstores/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:left" width="125" height="96" alt="A library made of Lego." src="/sites/default/files/resize/events/Lego-Library-125x96.jpg" /></a>Nevertheless, that’s a lot of work just to watch some movies, right? Feel free to ask the librarian for suggestions. Remember; we librarians are most effective when it’s a two-way conversation. Your feedback on what books &amp; movies you &amp; your children enjoy (and don’t enjoy) helps us give better suggestions to everyone!<a title="Click here to submit a question to the children&#039;s librarians" href="http://goo.gl/forms/3TqKCIm2KD" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:right" width="171" height="98" alt="Click this link to submit a question to the children&amp;#039;s librarians" src="/sites/default/files/resize/events/Ask%20Your%20Question%20Button-171x98.jpg" /></a></span></p>
<p><span style="text-decoration:none">Oakland Public Library Children's Librarians answer your questions on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.&nbsp;</span><span style="text-decoration:none"><br /></span></p>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-summary">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Children’s Librarians talk with parents, caregivers, and children all day, every day. Sometimes our help is needed to make serious ethical decisions...What movie should we watch tonight? </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-post-image">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="475" height="666" alt="Cover of Will Ferrell&#039;s Elf - a funny Christmas movie for ages 7 and up. " src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/elf-dvd-cover-24_0.jpg?1418884722" /> </div>
</div>
</div>
http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-what-s-your-opinion-movie#commentsActivities & TipschildrenChildren's moviesVideosThu, 18 Dec 2014 18:10:00 +0000Erica Siskind5611 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgQ&A: Patrons ask; librarians answer: Do you have true information about dragons? http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-true-information-about-dragons
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-body">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<p><em>In the following scenario, <strong>Q</strong> is a boy, age 4½, accompanied by his mother, known here as <strong>Q(mom)</strong>, and <strong>A</strong> is the children’s librarian. (btw: When Q says, “Guys!” he’s looking straight at the librarian. This is a bit unusual, but only because it’s plural. “Hey, you!” is more common.)</em></p>
<p>Q: Guys! Do you have a book about a dragon? A fierce dragon! A real, live, true dragon!<a title="Dragonolgy in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1359880__SBehold%2C%20the%20dragons%21__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span><img style="float:right" width="150" height="180" alt=" Dragonology" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0763623296&amp;erroroverride=1" /></span></a></p>
<p>A: So, you don’t want one of those stories where the dragon turns out to be friendly, I see. You want to know about real, fierce dragons! Okay, I think we can find something. Tell me, would you prefer a short book with pictures, or a long book, without pictures?</p>
<p>Q: A long book <em>with</em> pictures!</p>
<p>A: In that case, the best one is: <strong>Dragonology </strong>by Drake. Here you are. It’s very thorough, and it doesn’t get bogged down with reality-based theories.</p>
<p>Q (mom): I think we’d also like a <em>shorter</em> one with pictures…<a title="Behold the Dragons! in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1307073__SBehold%2C%20the%20dragons%21__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:right" width="150" height="120" alt=" Behold the Dragons!" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=068815526X&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p>Q: …but TRUE, not pretend!</p>
<p>A: Probably the best one for that purpose is: <strong>Behold, the dragons! </strong>by Gibbons. This includes dragons from cultures all over the world, and in two succinct pages, respectfully presents the reality-belief-fantasy framework. &nbsp;</p>
<p>While you are looking at those two, I could also gather up some stories that are pretend, but have fierce dragons. Would you like that?</p>
<p>Q (mom): Absolutely!</p>
<p>Q: All right, I guess that’s okay.</p>
<p>A: These two books have the fiercest dragons. I warn you, they are ferocious! They should come with a parental guidance warning sticker!&nbsp; <strong>Saint George &amp; the Dragon </strong>by Hodges and <strong>The Deliverers of their country </strong>by Nesbit &amp; Zwerger<strong>.</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a title="Saint George &amp; the Dragon in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1110836__SSaint%20George%20%26%20the%20Dragon%20by%20Hodges__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="140" height="120" alt=" Saint George and the Dragon" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0316367893&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="Deliverers of Their Country in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1486471__SThe%20Deliverers%20of%20their%20country__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="140" alt="The deliverers of their country" src="http://coverart.oclc.org/ImageWebSvc/oclc/+-+85354198_140.jpg?SearchOrder=+-+OT,OS,TN,GO,FA" /></a></p>
<p>Q: Great! We’ll take them.</p>
<p>Q (mom): Wait, there’s a severed arm in here, and a bloody sword…and this dragon is definitely dead at the end!</p>
<p>Q: Perfect!</p>
<p>A: Before you go, there are a few more that <strong>I</strong> like very much, which you might consider taking with you as well:</p>
<p><strong><a title="Max&#039;s Dragon in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1619612__SPolo%20and%20the%20Dragon%20%E2%80%93%20Faller__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="140" alt="cover; Max&#039;s Dragon" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0374399212&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Polo &amp; The Dragon in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1713110__SPolo%20and%20the%20Dragon%20%E2%80%93%20Faller__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="140" height="140" alt="cover; Polo &amp; the Dragon" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781596434981&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a> <a title="Trouble with Dragons in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1663037__SThe%20Trouble%20with%20Dragons%20%E2%80%93%20Gliori%2C__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="115" alt="cover; Trouble With Dragons" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780802797896&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Again! in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1880830__SAgain%21%20%E2%80%93%20Gravett%2C__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="140" alt="cover; Again!" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9781442452312&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Have You Seen My Dragon? in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1948182__SHave%20You%20Seen%20My%20Dragon%20%E2%80%93%20Light__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="150" height="120" alt="cover; Have You seen My Dragon?" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780763666484&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="When a Dragon Moves In in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1782976__SWhen%20a%20Dragon%20Moves%20In%20%E2%80%93%20Moore__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="120" alt="cover; When a Dragon Moves In" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780979974670&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp; <a title="How Droofus the Dragon Lost His Head in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1105096__SHow%20Droofus%20the%20Dragon%20Lost%20His%20Head%20__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="140" alt="How Droofus the Dragon Lost His Head" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347385813l/134096.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Room on the Broom in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1114097__SRoom%20on%20the%20Broom%20__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="150" height="120" alt="cover; Room on the Broom" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0803726570&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Gold Star for Zog in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1887118__SGold%20Star%20for%20Zog__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="140" height="120" alt="cover; A Gold Star for Zog" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780545417242&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title="Seven Chinese Sisters in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1237581__SThe%20Seven%20Chinese%20Sisters%20%E2%80%93%20Tucker__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="140" height="120" alt="cover; Seven Chinese Sisters" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0807573094&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a><a title="George &amp; the Dragon in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1491322__SGeorge%20and%20the%20Dragon%20%E2%80%93%20Wormell__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="120" alt="cover; George &amp; the Dragon" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0375833153&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>&nbsp;<a title=" a Chinese Beauty &amp; the Beast tale" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1451574__SDragon%20Prince%3A%20A%20Chinese%20Beauty%20%26%20the%20Beast%20Tale%20%E2%80%93%20Yep__Orightresult__U__X2?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="150" alt="cover; The Dragon Prince" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0060243813&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></strong></p>
<p><em>Max’s Dragon – Banks, Polo and the Dragon – Faller, The Trouble with Dragons – Gliori, Again! – Gravett, Have You Seen My Dragon – Light, When a Dragon Moves In – Moore, How Droofus the Dragon Lost His Head – Peet, Room on the Broom – Scheffler &amp; Donaldson, A Gold Star for Zog - Scheffler &amp; Donaldson, The Seven Chinese Sisters – Tucker, George and the Dragon – Wormell, Dragon Prince: A Chinese Beauty &amp; the Beast Tale – Yep (folktale section)&nbsp; </em><a title="Where the Mountain Meets the Moon - one of many great chapter books about dragons at OPL!" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1686393__S%28dragons%20fic%20juvenile%20fiction%29%20f%3Aa%20c%3A22__P0%2C2__Orightresult__U__X1?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:right" width="120" height="160" alt="cover; Where the Mountain Meets the Moon" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=9780316114271&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a></p>
<p>A: Choose a few to take home, if you like. &nbsp;We have lots more, there are tons! You can do a search in our online catalog if you want <a title="Search the OPL catalog for more picture books about dragons!" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__Sdragons%20picbk__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__O-date__U__X0?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">more picture books</a>&nbsp;about dragons, and if you ever want to read <a title="Search the OPL catalog for chapter books about dragons!" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__S%28dragons%20fic%20juvenile%20fiction%29%20f%3Aa%20c%3A22__Orightresult__U?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">chapter books about dragons,</a> there are SO many!</p>
<p><a title="My Father&#039;s Dragon (3 stories in 1 book) in OPL catalog" href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1500193__Smy%20fathers%20dragon__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__P0%2C2__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img style="float:left" width="120" height="150" alt="cover of My Father&#039;s Dragon - all 3 stories in one!" src="http://contentcafe2.btol.com/ContentCafe/Jacket.aspx?UserID=oaklandpl&amp;Password=bt0238&amp;Return=1&amp;Type=L&amp;Value=0679889116&amp;erroroverride=1" /></a>You know one of my favorite books of all time is <strong>My Father’s Dragon </strong>by Gannett. If you ever change your mind and want a pretend story about a friendly dragon, that’s a chapter book with pictures, you gotta try it!</p>
<p>Q: Do you know, guys, I’m going to be a dragon for Halloween!</p>
<p>A: That’s great! See you again soon. &nbsp;</p>
<p></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-summary">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
Children’s Librarians talk with parents, caregivers, and children all day, every day. Kids who ask for information don’t always differentiate between fantasy and reality. Why not believe in dragons, if you&#039;re going to believe in dinosaurs - Right? </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-post-image">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="400" height="484" alt="Cover image of Dragon&#039;s Halloween by Dav Pilkey" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/blogs/images/childrens-services/Jacket93XM6P2C Dragons Halloween.jpg?1413423677" /> </div>
</div>
</div>
http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/qa-patrons-ask-librarians-answer-do-you-have-true-information-about-dragons#commentschildrenDragonsGreat Books and moreRead-aloudThu, 16 Oct 2014 17:00:00 +0000Erica Siskind5388 at http://oaklandlibrary.orgDIA: Great Kids' Books with Multiracial Charactershttp://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/dia-great-kids-books-multiracial-characters
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-body">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<p>This week is the library holiday with the longest name: Día de los Niños / D<span>í</span>a de los Libros; Children's Day / Book Day. It's come to be called just&nbsp;<a href="http://dia.ala.org/" rel="nofollow">DÍA!</a>--Diversity In Action. Want to come party at the library? C<a href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/dia-de-los-ninos-dia-de-los-libros-childrens-day-book-day-0">lick here</a><span>!</span></p>
<p>A <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/opinion/sunday/the-apartheid-of-childrens-literature.html?_r=0" rel="nofollow">lot </a>of <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/16/opinion/sunday/where-are-the-people-of-color-in-childrens-books.html" rel="nofollow">people </a>are <a href="http://www.oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/people-color-underrepresented-childrens-books">talking</a> about <a href="http://ccblogc.blogspot.com/2014/04/same-old-story-stats-on-multicultural.html" rel="nofollow">diversity </a>in children's books right now, which makes me very happy. Oakland is one of the most diverse cities in the nation, and every family in our city deserves to find books on our shelves with characters who look like them, talk like them, have seen and felt what they've seen and felt.&nbsp;</p>
<p><span>If you're still searching for your book, the library's giving you a little help this week. Each day, we'll be <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/oaklandlibrary/" rel="nofollow">pinning</a> a new list of recommended children's books with characters of various racial backgrounds; characters who are gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender; and characters who live with disabilities. </span></p>
<p><span>You'll be able to find all of these books here at OPL; or, if you're taking the <a href="http://birthdaypartypledge.com/" rel="nofollow">Birthday Party Pledge</a> and promising to "give multicultural books as gifts to the children in [your] life for one year," take these lists to your <a href="http://www.nciba.com/bookstores/east.html" rel="nofollow">local independent bookseller</a>.</span></p>
<p><span>Today: a list of <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/oaklandlibrary/childrens-books-about-multiracial-people/" rel="nofollow">children's books with characters who are multiracial</a>! I'm listing just a few here; for the complete list, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/oaklandlibrary/childrens-books-about-multiracial-people/" rel="nofollow">click over to our Pinterest page</a>.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1827884__Swhoa%20baby%20whoa__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="120" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/medium_Jacket.jpg" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1875411__Syakyu__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="120" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/medium_yakyu.jpg" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1897534__Smarisol%20mcdonald%20and%20the%20clash__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="120" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/medium_marisol.jpg" /></a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1863610__Swhos%20in%20my%20family__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><img width="120" height="120" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/events/medium_Jacket%20%281%29.jpg" /></a></span></p>
<p><span>Got little ones? Try <a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1827884__Swhoa%20baby%20whoa__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><strong>Whoa, Baby, whoa!</strong> by Grace Nichols</a>. This little guy gets around! Or, if you'd rather spend your days at an A's game than crawling the kitchen floor, pick up<a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1875411__Syakyu__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a></span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1875411__Syakyu__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><strong>Take Me Out to the Yakyu</strong> by Aaron Meshon</a>. Party girls can look for <a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1875411__Syakyu__P0%2C1__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><strong>Marisol McDonald and the Clash Bash / Marisol McDonald y la Fiesta Sin Igual</strong>, by Monica Brown</a>. And for a story about the different kinds of families we have, check out <a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1863610__Swhos%20in%20my%20family__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><strong>Who's In My Family?: all about our families</strong>, by Robie Harris</a>.</p>
<p><span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1939868__Sblossoming%20universe__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><img width="188" height="284" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Jacket_0-188x284.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1946408__Szane%20and%20the%20hurricane__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><img width="188" height="285" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Jacket_1-188x285.jpg" /></a><br /></span></p>
<p><span>Did you know you can put books on hold before they hit our shelves? Get in line now for these next two. The first has starred reviews from <a href="https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/brenda-woods/the-blossoming-universe-of-violet-diamond/" rel="nofollow">Kirkus</a> and <a href="http://www.slj.com/2014/03/reviews/pick-of-the-day/pick-of-the-day-the-blossoming-universe-of-violet-diamond/#_" rel="nofollow">School Library Journal</a>: <a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1939868__Sblossoming%20universe__Orightresult__U__X6?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><strong>The&nbsp;</strong><strong>Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond</strong>, by Brenda Woods</a>. Violet may be the first biracial character in children's literature to lighten her hair, but I can't vouch for that. If you're feeling something a bit heavier, try <a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1946408__Szane%20and%20the%20hurricane__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><strong>Zane and the Hurricane</strong> by Rodman Philbrick</a>; Zane visits the family of his late father, who was African-American, in New Orleans, and ends up facing one of the worst natural disasters in recent history. There's some fear and sadness and death, but it's a gripping story, and appropriate for grades four and up.</span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1893614__Szombie%20baseball%20beatdown__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><img width="249" height="369" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Jacket_6-249x369.jpg" /></a></span></p>
<p><span>A few already on our shelves: first,&nbsp;</span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1893614__Szombie%20baseball%20beatdown__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><strong>Zombie Baseball Beatdown</strong>&nbsp;by Paolo Bacigalupi</a><span>, which I ended up plowing through in one afternoon (and it's 300 pages). It's funny, exciting, fast-paced, and while definitely not for kids who are young and/or sensitive, not as gory as you might expect. Rabi, a baseball stats geek from a mixed white and Indian family, has to help an undocumented friend whose family has been deported to Mexico, and oh, by the way, there's a zombie apocalypse. Fun, thoughtful, and checked out almost everywhere, so you know it's good.&nbsp;</span></p>
<p><span></span></p>
<p><span><img width="207" height="309" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Jacket_2-207x309.jpg" /><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1750553__Sdoodlebug__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;</a><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1727734__Sdigging%20up%20trouble__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><img width="206" height="307" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Jacket_3-206x307.jpg" /></a><br /></span></p>
<p><span><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1750553__Sdoodlebug__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><strong>Doodlebug: a novel in doodles</strong>, by Karen Romano Young</a>, for your Wimpy Kid fan who likes a more substantial story. Includes a strong depiction of a multiracial family. And if fun and fluffy's what you want, go for <a href="http://www.amyhodgepodge.com" rel="nofollow">Amy Hodgepodge</a>, a series by Kim Wayans (yes, that <a href="http://www.focusfeatures.com/pariah/castncrew?member=kim__wayans" rel="nofollow">Kim Wayans</a>) about a girl who is African-American, Japanese, white, and Korean. Her latest adventure is <strong><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1727734__SWayans%2C%20Kim.__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__O-date__X0?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">Digging Up Trouble</a></strong><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1727734__SWayans%2C%20Kim.__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__O-date__X0?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"></a>, and if you like it, <a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/search/C__SWayans%2C%20Kim.__Ff%3Afacetmediatype%3Aa%3Aa%3ABOOKS%3A%3A__Orightresult__X0?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">there are more</a>!<br /></span></p>
<p><a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1635768__Smexican%20whiteboy__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><img width="200" height="304" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Jacket_4-200x304.jpg" /></a>&nbsp;<img width="201" height="302" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/resize/events/Jacket_5-201x302.jpg" /></p>
<p><span>Older readers may want to dig into <a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1635768__Smexican%20whiteboy__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow"><strong>Mexican Whiteboy</strong>, by Matt de la Peña</a>, in which a San Diego teen spends a summer with his dad's Mexican family. So hot when it first came out, it took me weeks to get it. (Related: check out de la Peña's powerful essay <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/codeswitch/2013/11/11/243960103/a-reluctant-reader-turns-ya-author-for-tough-teens" rel="nofollow">"Sometimes the 'Tough Teen' is Quietly Writing Stories,"</a>&nbsp;but only if you have some Kleenex handy.) Finally, one that I really enjoyed: <a href="http://encore.oaklandlibrary.org/iii/encore/record/C__Rb1783183__Scamo%20girl__Orightresult__U__X7?lang=eng&amp;suite=cobalt" rel="nofollow">Kekla Magoon's <strong>Camo Girl</strong></a>. Ella is biracial and has a skin condition that makes the colors of her face uneven; she faces bullying and growing up and away from her best friend, who is autistic.</span></p>
<p><span>Want even more kids' books with multiracial characters? Click over to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/oaklandlibrary/childrens-books-about-multiracial-people/" rel="nofollow">Pinterest</a> for the complete list. Oh, happy Día!</span></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-text field-field-post-summary">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
This week is DÍA: Diversity in Action! Celebrate with children&#039;s books about multiracial characters. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="field field-type-filefield field-field-post-image">
<div class="field-items">
<div class="field-item odd">
<img class="imagefield imagefield-field_post_image" width="236" height="358" alt="Cover for &quot;The Blossoming Universe of Violet Diamond&quot; by Brenda Woods" src="http://oaklandlibrary.org/sites/default/files/blogs/images/childrens-services/blossoming-universe.jpg?1398123970" /> </div>
</div>
</div>
http://oaklandlibrary.org/blogs/childrens-services/dia-great-kids-books-multiracial-characters#commentsbiracialbookschildrendiadiversityGreat Books and morekid litmultiracialMon, 28 Apr 2014 15:00:00 +0000Amy Martin4611 at http://oaklandlibrary.org